Abu leader dies in Sulu clash

ABU SAYYAF GROUP (Photo courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups)

MANILA – Two people were killed including a leader from the Abu Sayyaf and a soldier after clashing with government troops in Padang town in Sulu yesterday.

According to Col. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, Sihata Muallom Asmad, alias Sihata Latip, was killed during an exchange of bullets with government troops.

Based on reports, Asmad fought with the people who were handling him his arrest.

Asmad was involved in the kidnapping of 20 tourists including three Americans and in the kidnapping of 15 coconut farmers in Basilan in 2001.

He also has a bounty of P5.3 million for his involvement in the kidnapping of a Taiwanese woman and murder of her husband in 2013.

He was also involved in the kidnapping of a German couple who were released last October 7 after he allegedly received a P250-million ransom.

The other Abu Sayyaf gunmen involved are still being hunted down by security forces.